"I think Brendan (Galloway) is progressing well and should be available, in the same way that Ramiro Funes Mori could become available," Martinez said. "He’s someone that has played in that position before. Being a left-footed defender, he has played in those positions."

The 24-year-old signed for Everton from River Plate for £9.5 million on deadline day, as reported by the Daily Mail, but is currently away on international duty with Argentina. He is expected to return on Thursday, and Martinez also added that his selection on Saturday may only be determined by how he is feeling physically after the long trip home from the United States.

“The way I see Ramiro, he is able to play in any of those positions when he is needed, so in that respect it is about assessing how he feels," the Everton boss insisted. "It’s a long journey coming back on Thursday morning and we’ll assess that from a physical point of view.”

As far as other candidates for the left-back slot go, Bryan Oviedo remains a doubt for selection due to his on-going knee injury, meaning it will come down to Brendan Galloway and Ramiro Funes Mori's respective conditions as to who gets the nod at Goodison Park.

Elsewhere, James McCarthy is the only other player that Everton are monitoring ahead of the visit of the champions. He featured in both of the Republic of Ireland's European Qualifiers during the international break despite a minor knee issue, and Martinez affirmed that he is 'positive' about the midfielder's chances of starting against Chelsea.